A PIL HAS BEEN IN THE SC SEEKING DIRECTIONS TO STOP MASS GATHERING IN THE ONGOING KUMBH MELA

16th April 2021

A PIL has been filed in the SC by a Noida based resident Sanjay Kumar Pathak seeking directions to stop mass gathering in Haridwar City for the ongoing Kumbh Mela. The Petition also mentioned the threat posed by by-election rallies in states like West Bengal.

The plea contended that between 13th and 14th April, more than 1,000 Covid cases were reported.  Lakhs of people attending Kumbh Mela are not following Covid 19 protocols such as physical distancing, masks, etc. Moreover, the State of Uttarakhand, the union of India and the National Disaster Management Authority are not taking steps to curb the mass gathering. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand was encouraging people to take part in Kumbh Mela; leading newspapers are inviting people to the Kumbh Mela by advertising on their front page.

On the one hand, poor citizens are punished and harassed by Police and executive authorities for violating Covid 19 rules. On the other hand, authorities are promoting the gathering of people in Kumbh Mela and Election Rallies. The respondents are acting illogically and arbitrary in dealing with the citizens of India. Things grew out of hands when the Indian Railways started organising special trains for people to gather for the Kumbh Mela.

The Petition seeks the following directions:

Direct the Government of Uttarakhand and Centre to withdraw advertisements inviting people for the Kumbh Mela and clear the mass gathering. To follow a safety protocol concerning people returning from the Mela. Lastly, Direct the Election committee to enforce strict Covid 19 guidelines and to take corrective steps.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal

Pc- fortune  India